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EXCLUSIVE — Rand Paul says US war on drugs "does" play role in migration surge
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EXCLUSIVE — Rand Paul says US war on drugs "does" play role in migration surge

Ep. 6 — Sen. Rand Paul (2-11-2024)
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United States Senate. Photo: Matt Laslo

Who?

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY)

Ask a Pol asked:

“What role do you think US drug policy plays in destabilizing the border?”

Key Paul: 

“Well, it does. I mean, there are drugs involved, but I don’t know if I have an easy answer. There’s no easy answer as to it, you know?”*

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*we never asked for an easy answer…

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LISTEN: Laslo & Rand Paul

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Below find a rough transcript of Ask a Pol’s exclusive interview with Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY), slightly edited for clarity.

TRANSCRIPT: Sen. Rand Paul

Matt Laslo: “Hey, how you doing, sir?”

Rand Paul: “Good.”

ML: “I was curious, what role do you think US drug policy plays in destabilizing the border?”

RP: “Say it again?”

ML: “What role do you think US drug policy plays in destabilizing the border?”

RP: “Well, it does. I mean, there are drugs involved, but I don’t know if I have an easy answer. There’s no easy answer as to it, you know?”

ML: “It seems like without fixing that problem there’s no [way to fix the others].”

RP: “I think they’re related, but I don’t have an easy answer for ya. I’ve gotta run.”

ML: “Preciate ya.”

Matt Laslo’s covered drug policy for Playboy, Rolling Stone, VICE News Tonight, Daily Beast, VICE News, etc. He’s also a new media prof. & the founder of Ask a Pol — a new, people-powered press corps.

Ask a Pol — asking your lawmakers your questions at your US Capitol. Follow us: @Ask_a_Pol (or @askpols on Insta).

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Discussion about this episode

User's avatar
Abbas Michael Dharamsey's avatar

Legalize cocaine - problem solved

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Jake Harrelson's avatar

@Abbas, and everything else, as the cartels will adapt otherwise. I think a lot of the issue just in terms of the drugs would be solved by legalizing and having dispensary psychedelics, which don't cause anywhere near the same level of harm, most not causing any harm, and could occupy the neurochemical need for harder drugs in a lot of people with serious addiction. Would have the added effect of drastically reducing the size and scope of the police at the same time.

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Abbas Michael Dharamsey's avatar

First, why shouldn’t people be able to take or inject what they want? As long as you are not infringing upon the rights of others, you should be able to do whatever you want. And safely. You are never going to prevent people from getting access to cocaine, or heroin, or anything. All you’re doing is making the drugs people take more dangerous as people cut coke or heroin with dangerous substances.

Legalize the drugs, educate the populace. Let people live how they’re going to live.

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Jake Harrelson's avatar

I'm with you, for sure, but have doubts that it'll happen all at once in the US. Even getting drugs which do have a demonstrable, legitimate medical purpose and aren't addictive, like psychedelics, is like pulling teeth.

I'm with you 100% on full legalization of everything being the ultimate goal, though.

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Abbas Michael Dharamsey's avatar

We’re trending in the right direction. It’ll take some time but I bet people will come around.

If the USG discloses that the earth is being visited by NHI, we’re gonna need some fucking cocaine to process that shit

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Jake Harrelson's avatar

Not to mention healthy supplies of opium!

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